Repeat mission for man who shot down Owls

dean Holdsworth is bidding to pull off a Hillsborough repeat as he heads into today’s FA Cup second-round tie between Wednesday and Aldershot.

These days he is the Shots manager but in March, 1997, he helped Wimbledon to beat the Owls in the quarter-finals.

In a showdown between two top-flight clubs, Robbie Earle put the Dons ahead in the 74th minute, and after Holdsworth went on a sub he added the second goal in the last minute.

Holdsworth can also draw on the experience of having led his team to Carling Cup victories against West Ham, Rochdale and Carlisle this season, before they were knocked out by Manchester United.

He says: “It is another exciting challenge for the lads and a very tough test.

“This is probably the biggest team in the draw at this stage of the competition. I have played at Hillsborough and it is a great place to play. The lads will love that.

“We know that if we play with confidence and no fear, then we can be a test for anybody. We have experienced some good times in Cup football this season.

“Sheffield Wednesday are a strong side who are doing well in their division. We have already gone way above our own expectations in cup football this season and sometimes that can be your own worst enemy, but we have enjoyed those experiences. We have match-winners and ball-winners.”

Owls keeper Richard O’Donnell said: “I watched their game against Manchester United. They had spells where they looked a decent team and had a few chances.

“They’re going to be up for it. We have to be up for it. We’ve coped well with the expectation that’s been on us at home this season.”